| Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Weekly News April 4, 2025 This Weekend! Silk Scarf Painting Class April 5, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If you need some time to relax and unwind, join us for a silk scarf painting class with Marie Dyer surrounded by Edison’s gardens. You will leave the class with a silk scarf that can be worn or hung as a piece of artwork. All materials are includ- ed in the fee. No experience is required. Space is limited; click here to register! Members: $90, non-members: $100 Upcoming Events Grow Fort Myers & Orchid Symposium with Rare & Historic Plant Sale April 12 & 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year, the Grow Fort Myers event is going to be extra special, as it will be combined with the Orchid Symposium! The plant sale will feature a new twist with specimens that have historical significance to the Edisons, along with plants that are rare and hard-to find. Plus, we will have several guest speakers con- ducting free presentations. Entry to the event and presentations is FREE (does not include admission to the museum, lab, or riverside of the property). Seating under the tent for the presentations is available on a first- come, first-served basis. Presentation Topics: Saturday Summer Care for Palms – Karen Maxwell, EFWE Care and Propagation of Unusual Staghorn Ferns – John Cassani, Cassani Nursery Growing Vandas – Mickey Parnell, Blue Pagoda Orchids Native Florida Cactus Tissue Culture and Habitat Restoration – Reed Gilmore, Florida Gulf Coast University Growing Epiphyllums (Jungle Cactus) – Graciana Parker, Florida Greenery Sunday Conversations with My Orchids – Jim Davison, Jim-N-I Orchids Fun with Orchids – Gary Sims, SWFOS & AOS Growing Hoyas – Graciana Parker, Florida Greenery Growing Tillandsias & Cryptanthus – Anthony Warfield, Tropiflora My Favorite Orchids – John Hampton, SWFOS & AOS In the Garden Garden Tour (Registration Required) April 9, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates botanical gardens contain more than 1,700 plants from six continents including flowering plants and trees, fruit trees, palms, bamboo, cycads, vines, roses, orchids, and Florida natives. On this tour, experienced garden staff lead visitors through the 20-acre site and highlight the different types of plants and their importance to the Edison and Ford families. Visitors will see the Moonlight Garden, many rare plants and get to go behind-the-scenes in the propagating nursery. Some of the plants in the gardens are available for sale in the on-site Garden Shoppe. Registration is limited – click here for online ticketing and click on the “Garden Tour” link. Members: $30, non-members: $35 Gardening Class: ABC’s of Tropical Fruits April 15, 1:30 p.m. Now is the perfect time to plant fruit trees! Learn about avocados, bananas, and citrus. This class will cover recommended varieties to grow in our challenging soils; how to plant, how to prune, and develop the healthiest and most productive trees. Gardening in SW Florida also means one must be prepared to recognize comm- on disases and pests and be armed with the skills to address such problems in a timely manner. Since citrus greening is an on-going challenge, it is important to understand what it is, how to recognize it and how to choose and grow citrus. Our discussion will continue in the fruit groves following the classroom presentation. Cost: EFWE members: $45; non-members: $60 Just for Kids Transportation Engineering Marvels “Channel Tunnel” April 09 & 10, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Students will study the engineering behind the Channel Tunnel. They will engage in the “Balloon Cars” activity, where they de- sign and build cars powered by balloon propulsion. This project teaches students about propulsion, aerodynamics, and the engin- eering principles involved in creating efficient transportation methods. Join us and explore the “living laboratory” of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Our Wild Wizards will challenge your mind and foster collaboration in this homeschool science and engineering series. Classes take place in an outdoor classroom environment (weather permitting). Homeschool classes at Edison Ford are a- ligned with Next Generation Science and Florida State Standards. Classes are a combination of instruction and hands on activities that are designed to facilitate homeschool or virtual science edu- cation. Members: $15 each or $120 for the series Non-members: $25 each or $200 for the series Registration is required– click here to register. April 9 & 17: grades 1-3 April 10 & 16: grades 4-6 Science Fiction & Science Fact Day Camp April 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join us as science and history come alive in our “living laboratory!” No experience is necessary to participate in these fun and fast- moving S.T.E.A.M. (science technology, engineering, art, and math) camps. For students currently in grades K-5, unless otherwise noted. Campers must bring lunches, and snacks if desired. Become a family member of Edison Ford and receive discounted registration! In this one-day camp, students will explore the basic principles of science and test their skills through projects and experiments in this one day camp. Members: $45 Non-members: $50 Space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register! Educational Summer Camps! 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Edison and Ford Winter Estates is offering several summer camp options for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Students are separated into groups according to grade level (K-2 and 3-5). The camps are educational and focus on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM), and incorporate fun activities. Campers get to invent, design, build, and learn in the same location where famous inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford invented some of the world’s best-known products. Summer camp starts on June 9 and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Camp options are listed below. (Sold out camps are not listed) Hands-On Chemistry June 9-13 (Grades K-2 and 3-5) In this camp, students will explore the exciting world of chemistry with a series of hands-on experi- ments throughout the week. The periodic table, structure of atoms, bonds, reactions, and solutions, are all covered. Some experiments include slime, lava lamps, pH indicators for color changing liquids, the popular exploding toothpaste, and more. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Energetic Engineers June 16-20 (Grades K-2 and 3-5) Campers will learn how to handle the problem space by learning the engineering design process and practicing it all week as they are given new design challenges each day. Challenges include a mini paddle boat race, marble roller coasters, bridges, towers and more. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robotics June 23-27 (Grades 3-5) This camp is one part code, one part mechanics, and one part creativity. Campers will learn the code and mechanics of LEGO Mindstorm robotics. Using autonomous code and strategy, teams will send their ro- bot into battle against other teams. Campers will design and build a robot that can change its behavior based on sensor data. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 High-Flying Rockets June 30-July 3 (Grades K-2 and 3-5) In this camp, students will learn the physics of lift. Activities include gliders, stomp rockets, parachute design, and water rockets. Newton’s laws of motion are explored as well as Bernoulli’s principle, and the Coandă effect. This camp will also include a demonstration of the Edison Ford unmanned aerial vehicle. Cost: EFWE members: $175, non-members: $200 Machine Makers July 7-11 (Grades K-2 and 3-5) Campers will explore all things in motion in this STEAM camp. Concepts learned include the six simple machines, Newton’s Laws of motion, the engineering design process, and rigid design. Campers will rap- idly prototype using LEGOs and other common materials as they learn about mechanical advantage and how to apply it. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Electronics Power-up July 21-25 (Grades 3-5) This crash course in electronics covers the history of electricity, and hands-on circuit design. Concepts of electricity such as current, volts, magnetism, insulation, conduction, and more core concepts will be cover- ed. The week of circuits concludes as campers take home their own custom circuit. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 The Science of Art & Design July 21-25 (Grades K-2) Campers will delve into creative expression and learn the science behind art. The science of light and color are explored as they learn about the mixing of light and pigment with Newton’s disk. Campers will design soft circuits with conductive playdough and observe geometric patterns with a blackburn pendulum. They will also learn about the seven elements of art. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Code Camp July 28-August 1 (Grades 3-5) In this camp, students will explore the core concepts of code as they design a game, an interactive story, or anything they can think up. Campers will learn about loops, boolean logic, if/else statements, variables, and more. They will get a copy of their project at the end of the week that includes a code library for use after camp. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Video Creators July 28-August 1 (Grades K-2) This camp is focused on storytelling and the technology behind it. Campers will work on stop motion animation, basic editing, and how to structure a simple scene. In small groups, campers develop their ideas and produce short, animated scenes that they can share with friends and family. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Design in 3-D August 4-8 (Grades K-5) In this camp, students will explore the world of Computer Aided Design and 3D printing. They will learn how ideas go from concept to reality with this critical 21st century skill, then take home their own design. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250 Summer Camp Registration is OPEN! Click here to register! Thank you to our Summer Camp sponsors: Adult Education Acrylic Landscape Painting Class with Marie Dyer April 13, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Come spend the day with impressionistic local artist Marie Dyer as she guides you in this plein air acrylic landscape painting workshop. She will cover the fun- damentals of composition and structure, color creat- ing mood, mixing paints, and assist in developing a pallet that speaks to you! Students will be inspired by the lush surroundings on site in this one-of-a- kind class. No experience is required. All materials are included; space is limited. Click here to register! Members: $90, non-members: $100 Easter Basket Floral Arrangement Workshop April 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Get into the Easter spirit with this fun-filled session where you’ll learn how to create a beautiful and eye- catching Easter basket centerpiece. Under the guid- ance of designer Anita Singh, you’ll discover the se- crets to crafting a stunning centerpiece that will make your Easter celebrations truly memorable. Whether you want to create a centerpiece for your own home or gift it to a loved one, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity and learn new skills. All supplies and flowers will be provided. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from a talented designer and create a stunning Easter basket centerpiece. Space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register! Members: $75, non-members: $85 Digital Discussions Step Into History Digital Edition: In Defense of Fort Myers April 9, 10:30 a.m. Join Lead Historian Isaac Hunter for the next digital Step into History. Isaac will be discussing the fort of Fort Myers, the military encampment that saw battle and would grow to become the city we are today. Click here to register for this virtual presentation. To view our Step Into History archive, visit our YouTube channel! Digital Discussion: The History of Women in Baseball April 15, 10:30 a.m. Expanding on our focus of a century of spring training we will explore the history of women in baseball. Women have been playing baseball for almost as long as men have. Learn about the players, executives, umpires, coaches, owners and the only woman in the Baseball Hall of Fame and their contributions to the game. Join museum manager Holly Shaffer for this free virtual presentation. Click here to register! To view our Digital Discussion archives, visit our YouTube channel! Become a MEMBER and get unlimited free visits, discounts on purchases in the Garden Shoppe, retail stores, special events and adult education classes! Join today! Ongoing Programs Piano Performance Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Edison Guest House Timeless beauty resides where classical music is performed by Curatorial Registrar, Chet, on Mina Edison’s 1932 George Steck piano in the guest house. Piano performances are BACK! Excluding April 9th and April 16th. Included with admission. Step into History Presentations Tuesdays and Thursdays 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn about subjects related to Edison and Ford with Site Historians. This program is held in the 15,000-square-foot museum. Included with admission. Yoga Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Class will be held in the River Pavilion (weather permitting). All skill levels are welcome. This class is taught by Bonnie D’Angelo, a certified yoga instructor. Edison Ford members: $15; non-members: $20 per class. Tickets may be purchased online or at the ticket counter. Bring a yoga mat, water, and towel. Admission to the site is not included. Looking for Feedback! Are you interested in learning more about gardening? We are planning our list of gardening classes for next season and we’d like your input! What topics would you like to learn about? What days of the week would work best for you? If you’ve taken any gardening classes in the past, what did you like about it? Please reply to this email with answers or any suggestions. Thank you! We look forward to seeing you soon! Help restore our beautiful gardens. Donate today! Copyright © 2025 Edison and Ford Winter Estates, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to be on our mailing list. Our mailing address is: Edison and Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd Fort Myers, FL 33901 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? 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